March 17, 2009
CHICAGO - Illinois-Chicago scored seven runs on six hits and three Purdue errors in the third inning to run away with a 15-5 decision over the Boilermakers at Les Miller Field on Tuesday. The loss, Purdue's second straight, dropped the Boilers to 5-9 for the season, while UIC improved to 3-11 with the win.
Leading just 5-3 after Purdue plated a pair of runs in the top of the third, the Flames broke the game open with seven two-out runs in the bottom of the frame. UIC got a run-scoring single by Steven Humble and a two-run homer by Chris Rutta to push the lead to 8-3, before two consecutive errors extended the inning and paved the way for four unearned runs and a nine-run edge.
UIC tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the seventh on a three-run homer by Rutta, his second blast of the game.
Reliever Michael Heesch (1-0) picked up his first win of the season, tossing 4 1/3 shutout innings. He allowed just two Purdue hits, while striking out five and walking none. Purdue starter Connor Sestak (0-1) was charged with his first loss after allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits in just two innings of work.
Offensive highlights for Purdue included a solo home run by Drew Madia, his first of the season, and a pair of two-run singles by Brandon Haveman and Nick Overmyer.
The Boilermakers will attempt to regroup on Wednesday when they face the Flames in the finale of the two-game series. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. EDT.